Questions about Heb. 13:17 on leadership

As a pastor, elder or really just any member of the church in a leadership role, what does it look like to practically "watch out" for your (the church of Christ's) souls(Heb. 13:17)? How far do you get involved in affairs? How much do you let the ultimate shepherd, Christ, work in the lives of His sheep without your hand involved? Im not necessarily looking for just more scripture, theories or generic "ready-made" answers (no offense). Rather, Im wondering, in your own life as a leader/ pastor/ under-rower, what is your hearts response to knowing God's requirements for His ministers? How does this play itself out in your actions? Thanks!

I am just as curious to hear responses to this.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

I believe that a minister of the Gospel should be first and foremost in secret prayer for those they serve. If their brothers are walking in the light then the minister will have joy and be offering prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God. They will be praying that they grow even more in grace. If they are walking in darkness, in sin, they will groan and mourn as if their only child is self destructing. They will be pleading with God to convict them of their sin. If the minister lacks the Holy Ghost they themselves will probably presume upon themselves the role of the Holy Ghost and then boast in their brother's flesh. But if a minister serves in prayer then God gets more Glory, Honor, and Praise.

God Bless you

I believe that a minister of the Gospel should be first and foremost in secret prayer for those they serve.

If they are walking in darkness, in sin, they will groan and mourn as if their only child is self destructing.

I believe those who are leaders in the Church ought to be "Fathers of the Faith." That is, they should be mature and seasoned individuals who look over those in the same spirit as a father would look after their own biological children. Thus, I think Paul's requirement in 1 Timothy 3 that an elder be one who rules his house well is very applicable in this instance, because as Paul says, if one cannot manage his house well, then how will he the Church of the living God?

To be specific about the text you questioned though, the emphasis on the leaders in this chapter is that they are individuals whose lives are worthy of imitating. They are role models and examples of what it means to be a Christian. Thus, as such models, they are worth "obeying" and "submitting" to, because of the quality of the life they live in the Lord. Based on these observations, it would seem that their watching over the souls of other individuals would be likened unto trying to teach a child to walk and talk. They set the example, and show what it is like to walk and talk. But, they not only set an example, they also instruct and encourage those whom they are over.

KBC,

It is like our glorious Lord Jesus Christ to esteem others instead of himself. I pray we would be the same and "by love serve one another."(Galatians 5:13)Jesus is so wonderful!!!

Love in Christ Jesus

Travis

What an interesting question, I'd love to hear more of people's experiences. For me, allowing regular house (to my home) visitations from those I minister to gets people to be suprisingly open with me. You end up seeing problems you never would have seen in the person and you can be really personal and not just theoretical.

James

KBC: I have been thinking about this one for a while now. You asked two questions up front. "How far do you get involved in affairs? How much do you let the ultimate shepherd, Christ, work in the lives of His sheep without your hand involved?" It is almost as thought the questions assumed mutual exclusivity. As leaders, we are called to do various things Biblically. Elder/Bishops oversee the flock. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers bring people into maturity spiritually. All of these tasks require that leadership be very intimately involved in the affairs of those they are leading. But a leader being involved does not mean that Christ is not, nor does it mean that Christ is not having his way in the situation. As leaders we MUST be led of the Holy Spirit in all we do. For example, last night I and a couple of other leaders in our fellowship spent some time counseling with and ministering to a person who was going through a very difficult time. We spent much time praying in the Spirit and ascertaining what it was God would have us to say and do. When we asked questions, spoke, or prayed we did so as we were led of the Holy Spirit. The result was effective ministry and growth in this person. If I see a brother overtaken in a fault, I must go to him, I must get all up in his business so to speak. It is a mandate from God through His word. But in doing so I must be yielded to the Holy Spirit and led by Him. So the questions do not preclude one another. Being a leader is not always easy. No, let me rephrase that. Being a leader is NEVER easy. Leaders are often called on to do things that are very uncomfortable for their flesh, and most of the time, I think, would rather not have to stick their necks out to get involved, but most of the time we have no other option.

Wow, I have read all of these responses thoroughly and have taken to heart many of the things stated (I wish I had more time to respond to you all). Thank you so much for sharing!

Also included in the Hebrews 13:7 passage on leadership, the author writes that those in leadership are those that "must give an account". What do you think this pertains to? How must we give an account? How does this correlate to 1 Cor. 3, if at all? Thanks again!

We must give an account simply as stewards who made the most of their talents. Surely passages like 1 Corinthians 3 are very relevant. Did we make the most of our ministry, and effectually sow things eternal in value in that individual? Or did we get caught up in a lot of things that really didn't matter at the end of the day? No ministry will be perfect and not have some "trivial" stuff to it that doesn't survive the fires to come. But the question is, what will be the defining mark of what we do? What will we sow?